I also had a similar issue. I followed these steps to get the server to boot in X mode[email protected]# sudo aptitude

This is where things get a little uncomfortable if are new to ubuntu (like me). Take a feel of the console pressing “?” sign and then it should be cake walk. Basically in order to activate the Menu, press CTRL+t and to select a package to install press + and to unselect press – to expand or collapse use [ and ] . Once you have selected the packages you want to install activate the menu and press enter on Install option or simply press “g”. That will begin the download process, which is going to take some time in my case, will keep you guys posted on the progress.

But I am somehow amazed the most famous linux distro has such not so user friendly installation, even though its a server, kind of does not make sense.